ABSTRACT
The nonlinear static pushover analysis method has gained wide popularity in deformation- based design methods. Focusing only on deformation demands and capacity can often overlook unexpected patterns in strength demands, which can result in very undesirable structural behavior. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the pushover method in estimating global and member strength demands for steel moment resisting frame structures. Results indicate that in many cases the pushover method leads to non-conservative strength demand estimates and is unable to capture the distribution of dynamic demands over the height of the structure. In some of these cases, evaluation and sizing of members based on a simple story capacity approach provides a better solution for reducing the potential for undesirable behavior modes. This does not invalidate the value of a pushover analysis, but it puts limits on the reliance the profession should place on results obtained from such an analysis.
